Sir Bobby Robson has confirmed that Newcastle have launched a double bid to take Jonathan Woodgate and Kleberson to St James' Park.

Newcastle have contacted Leeds United about the availability of England defender Woodgate and Robson will be looking to team him up with fellow young England hopeful Titus Bramble at the heart of the Magpies defence, to create a formiddable barrier for years to come.

Robson is also keen on World Cup winner Kleberson and has contacetd Brazilian side Atletico Paranaense to make initial inquiries over player.

Both have been the subject of intense speculation in recent days, with Leeds United themselves interested in having the pair playing for them come the end of the month.

 

Robson said: "All I can confirm to you now is that the club have actually made communication to both clubs in respect of the two players concerned.

"There's a lot of communication and dialogue will have to go on before anything happens in that respect, but all we've done is made preliminary investigations into those two players.

"It's as simple as that and I can say no more than that."